"Shoot the f**king ball"- Lakers coach JJ Redick loses his cool after LeBron James and Co. botch a possession
JJ Redick lost his cool after LeBron James and Co. botched a possession during their road game against the Suns on Monday. The first-year coach was seemingly frustrated after LA blew a chance to score on possession after a shot clock violation. The cameras caught Redick mouthing off.
Here's the video:
"Shoot the f**king ball," Redick yelled.
The Lakers were bailed on the previous possession after the Suns knocked the ball out of bounds. That gave LA 14 seconds rest on the shot clock. However, the Lakers failed to get a shot off after Dalton Knecht and D'Angelo Russell gave up the chance to shoot, leaving LeBron as their last option, who drove to the rim with three seconds left and was stripped by Devin Booker.
The Lakers were up four points after leading up 18 points. With the Suns making a run, LA desperately needed to score on that possession, which may have led to JJ Redick losing his cool.
JJ Redick suffers first loss as HC as LeBron James struggles
JJ Redick suffered his first loss of the season and his coaching career on Monday against the Suns. The Lakers blew an 18-point lead and lost 109-105. LA had a chance at the end, too. However, Phoenix capitalized on the miscues to get the win. LeBron James had his worst shooting game ever as the four-time MVP went 3 3 of 14 from the floor to score only 11 points.
His lack of contribution may have directly hampered the Lakers, as the other starters relatively had a better outing. Anthony Davis tallied 29 points, 15 rebounds and three assists, while Austin Reaves had 23 points, Rui Hachimura scored 20, and D'Angelo Russell finished with 14 points.
The Suns, on the other hand, got handy contributions from their stars, as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combined for 63 points, while Bradley Beal had 15. The Suns improved physicality after the first quarter swung the game in their favor. The Lakers didn't adjust well or counter that until it was too late.
Nevertheless, JJ Redick and the Lakers are still 3-1 on the season and in a much better position than most teams. Such losses are part and parcel of an 82-game season, so the Lakers should be fine.
LeBron James' production has been concerning, though. Barring a 32-point outing against the Kings, he's looked off-color for three of the four games.